Paulo Costa focuses on Dricus Du Plessis Vecht before the end of the year “I didn’t stop to plan anything. No strategy.”

Before the end of 2025, Brazilian middleweight competition Paulo Costa set his sights on a controversial matchup against former champion Dric Du Plessis and describes the South African as a “unpredictable” and challenging opponent after his recent loss against Khamzat Chimaev.

Paulo Costa wants Dricus du Plessis

The 34-year-old Paulo Costa, currently in 13th place in the UFC Midleweight Division, recently returned to winning ways with a unanimous decision victory on Roman Kopylov on UFC 318 in July. This marked his first victory in almost three years, so he broke a difficult period that saw him 1-4 about his previous five fights.

Creeks with Submission radioPaulo Costa outlined his preference for the opposite of Du Plessis over potential rematches with former opponents such as Israel Adesanya or Sean Strickland. “Dricus is better because he is fresh from the belt,” said Costa. The Brazilian explained his reasoning: “He is so unpredictable. He is a tough guy to fight, to be honest. Khamzat Chimaev knew that – that’s why he held him for so long. Even in the fifth round, Dricus was still dangerous and Chimaev was afraid to fight him.”

Costa was very critical about the wrestling approach of Chimaev in his UFC 319-title victory at Du Plessis, where the new champion controlled the fight on the ground for more than 21 minutes of the 25-minute match. “He just held the man for 25 minutes. Vraak,” said Costa about Chimaev’s performance.

“Fighting is always a fight, you know, but yes, we can fight against or perhaps on the floor. I don’t know. I have not thought of that yet. I will say,” Okay, let’s go. ” And then I will find out.

The timing seems favorable for Costa, who indicated that he wants to compete again in 2025. “I will fight this year. I have another fight in 2025, before Christmas,” he said Submission Radio. Costa presented November or early December as potential timetables for the competition, awaiting discussions with UFC matchmakers.

Costa expressed the confidence that has improved Relationship with UFC management would facilitate meaningful fighting opportunities. “I stopped fighting the UFC. Now we are friends. Now we are partners,” he explained. I told Hunter this [Campbell] And Dana [White]: ‘Hey guys, now we are partners. Let’s play together. “So I’m relaxed. I’m cold, right? I let them work on that, and they will bring a good, fun match. ‘

Du Plessis, who held the middleweight title for more than a year before he lost to Chimaev, is currently at the top of the ranking of the division despite his recent defeat. The former champion has indicated that his intention to work back to another title shot.

The renewed focus of the Brazilian comes after a tumultuous period with disputes with UFC management and a long resignation of competition. His willingness to face Du Plessis, instead of looking for more simpler opponents, indicates his dedication to fighting competition on elite level while trying to climb back to title conflicts.

Although no official announcement has been made with regard to the potential Costa-Du Plessis Bout, both hunters seem motivated to return to action before the end of the year, which could be one of the more compelling middleweight matchups at the end of 2025.